James Derry has resided and worked in the Comox Valley, and specifically in the Comox Valley Regional District, for almost 40 years. Originally from Manitoba, he moved to the Valley to live in a semi-rural setting with a vibrant community.
James holds a bachelor of arts degree (English and foreign languages) and has worked for the federal government, in private resource-based industries, owned his own small businesses, and presently works for the Canadian Mental Health Association as a Red Seal chef instructor for the Peppermill meal program in conjunction with Island Health.
Active in volunteer work and nonprofit societies, James has taught citizenship classes at the Comox Valley Multicultural & Immigrant Support Society, has been on the board of the Vancouver Island Chefs Association for five years as secretary, and as the secretary/treasurer of The Alberni Project Society since its creation in 2013. He has volunteered his time and skills for such diverse organizations as the Comox Valley Head Injury Society, Sunrise Rotary Club, and at HMCS ALBERNI Museum and Memorial in Courtenay.
For the past four years James has been a volunteer member of the Advisory Planning Commission for CVRD Area C.
James can make a significant contribution to the community as a school trustee of School District #71 with his passion for a quality education for all students.
James can be reached at jamesderry2018@gmail,com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jamesderry2014, or by phone at 250-338-2720.